Key facts
- Tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
- At least 72 people died during the crossing.
- Moroccan authorities reportedly facilitated the overland crossing for some migrants.
- Most migrants have since returned to Morocco, but hundreds remain stranded.
- Local residents are providing humanitarian aid to those left behind.
- The influx has led to political tensions and concerns about exploitation by far-right groups.
Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the north African coast, is grappling with the aftermath of a massive migrant surge that saw approximately 60,000 people enter from Morocco. While the majority have since returned, hundreds remain stranded in the city, facing uncertain futures and difficult living conditions.
The influx, which occurred over several days, saw unprecedented scenes of chaos as Moroccan authorities reportedly relaxed border controls, allowing people to cross overland and swim to Ceuta. Youssef El Abbas, a 44-year-old Moroccan father of four deported from Spain in 2019, described witnessing four people drown in just ten minutes while crossing. He stated that Moroccan police were actively directing people into Spain, while pushing back sub-Saharan migrants.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the event as a violation of territorial integrity, attributing it to human-trafficking mafias exploiting a recent court ruling that prevents summary returns. However, speculation also suggests Morocco may have used the surge to signal displeasure with Spain's recent diplomatic overtures to Algeria, which supports Western Sahara's independence from Moroccan occupation.
Despite Morocco's ambassador to Spain stating Rabat was unhappy with the crossing and hoped for returns, Moroccan government sources insisted cooperation with Spain remained exemplary and blamed criminal organizations. This incident echoes a similar event in May 2021 when border controls were loosened during a diplomatic standoff.
For those who remain, the situation is dire. El Abbas, who had dreamed of returning to Spain where he worked for 14 years, found his arrival bittersweet, experiencing both aid and violence from Spanish authorities. Many, like 17-year-old Said from Casablanca, are left with little, facing rejection from shops and restaurants due to their lack of Spanish documentation. Soldiers indicated that unaccompanied minors are being returned to Morocco.
Local residents in Ceuta have shown solidarity, distributing water, food, and blankets. However, this humanitarian effort is being overshadowed by the arrival of far-right politicians and a neo-Nazi group seeking to exploit the crisis. City officials fear the strain has deepened divisions within the community.